Zenith and Phoenix: €300 Million Real Estate Securitization Deal

On December 27, 2024, Banco BPM (press release) finalized the sale, through securitization, of a portfolio of over 330 non-core real estate assets, for a total value of approximately €300 million. The transaction, named “Project Square,” represents the largest real estate securitization under Article 7.2 of the Italian Securitization Law ever completed in Italy.

Deal Details

The transaction involves the sale of the properties in multiple tranches to a securitization vehicle, which received senior financing from Banco BPM and issued mezzanine and junior notes subscribed by Phoenix Asset Management S.p.A., acting as both investor and asset manager in the operation.

The transfer price to the vehicle will be substantially in line with the fair value of the properties. The overall impact of the transaction will be reflected in the third quarter financials, with an estimated charge to the income statement of approximately €18 million, net of related tax effects.

Phoenix Asset Management: A Profile

Phoenix Asset Management S.p.A. is an independent asset management company specializing in the management of non-performing loans (NPLs) and unlikely-to-pay (UTP) exposures. It currently manages a total gross exposure of over €9.0 billion across 11 NPL/UTP portfolios.

Spotlight on Liguria and the Role of Luigi Ragone

A significant portion of the properties involved in the deal are located in Liguria, many of which are former bank branches. The management and sale of these assets have been entrusted to Luigi Ragone, an experienced real estate advisor specializing in REOCOs, NPLs, and securitizations.

• REOCO (Real Estate Owned Company): Special purpose vehicles used in securitizations to acquire, manage, and enhance the value of properties deriving from distressed loans.

• NPL (Non-Performing Loans): Loans where repayment is significantly delayed or deemed unlikely.

• Securitization: A financial process that transforms illiquid assets, such as loans, into tradable securities.

Luigi Ragone, with a strong background in the real estate sector, is known for his ability to enhance the value of complex assets, particularly those stemming from securitization and distressed credit situations.

This transaction marks an important step for Banco BPM in optimizing its balance sheet by reducing exposure to non-strategic real estate assets. For Phoenix Asset Management, the acquisition strengthens its presence in the Italian market and offers opportunities to unlock value through redevelopment or sale strategies.